Health
& Safety Checklist

In
This Section

Why
Be Concerned With Safety

Emergency
Preparedness

ATV
Safety

Additional
Information

Why
Should I Be Concerned About Safety?

Land
owners with small acreage may wonder why enacting health and safety
programs would be of benefit to them. Agriculture continues to rank
second only to mining in deaths per 100,000 workers. In 1999, 770
persons died from injuries sustained while working on farms or ranches.
An additional 150,000 suffered disabling injuries.

If
equipment is being built safer and better designed, why have injuries
and accidents remained so high? There is a one word answer that sums
it all up: behavior. Research shows that 90% of all accidents were
caused by behavior while only 10% were due to unsafe conditions.

The
following checklist is designed to help you identify those aspects
of your operation that can be hazardous. Once you know what hazards
are you can:

Eliminate
the hazard;

Buy
products or machinery that can accomplish the same task but are
less dangerous;

Install
safeguards such as equipment guards or mechanical ventilation
in areas that are very dusty or contain toxic gases;

Modify
work practices (behavior) so that you and your workers stay away
from the hazard;

Name
of primary care doctor and phone number are posted where employees
can see them

Designated
safe places to go when there is a flood, tornado, lightening,
storm, etc.

Fire

Fire
extinguishers kept in each building near exit

Fire
extinguishers checked regularly to ensure they are charged

Each
person knows how to use a fire extinguisher

Building
exits are free of obstructions

Work
Above Six Feet

Ladders
over 25 feet high have cages

Rails
installed on raised platforms

A
harness is worn and person is "tied – off" when working on a roof
or from a ladder

Damaged
ladders are fixed or replaced

Children’s
Safety

Children
have designated "safe" play area

Children
perform only those chores that they are physically and mentally
capable of

Chemicals

Chemicals
are stored in a locked room or cabinet

Incompatible
chemicals are kept apart

Each
person who uses a chemical has read and understood the label

Chemicals
are kept in their original containers and labels are intact and
readable

Chemical
handling and mixing takes place near an eyewash and safety shower

Flammables
and Combustibles

Flammables
are stored in National Fire Prevention Association approved containers
and cabinets

Fuel
tanks are protected by barriers

NO
Smoking signs are posted and obeyed

Flammable
liquid containers are grounded and bonded when dispensing

Waste
oil is recycled or disposed of on a regular basis

Compressed
Gas Cylinders

Main
valve is closed and no pressure on regulator when not in use

Cylinders
labeled

Cylinders
chained to wall or cart and kept where can’t be knocked over

Empty
cylinders returned to dealer

Welding
/ Cutting

Flash
arrestor is in-line

Cables
are in good condition

Work
is done in well ventilated area

Eye
protection and leathers are worn

Fire
prone materials are removed from work area

Personal
Protective Equipment

Gloves
fit and are resistant to the chemical being used

Respirator
or dust mask fits and protects against the airborne chemical or
dust of concern

Chemical
goggles are worn when mixing and using chemicals

Safety
glasses are worn when there is a potential for flying debris

Personal
Protective Equipment is used, stored, and thrown away according
to the manufacturer’s recommendations

Housekeeping

Adequate
lighting is provided

Floors
are free of clutter and puddles

Counters
and workbenches are free of clutter and debris

Electrical

Building
wiring installed by a certified electrician

Outlets
are grounded

Outlets
near wet areas are GFCI protected

Extension
cords have ground pins

Extension
cords do not have splices or taps

Cords
are protected from being run over

Know
that not all extension cords can be used outside

Flat
extension cords are not used

Circuit
breakers are clearly labeled

Be
aware of overhead power lines

Material
Storage

Storage
shelves are rated for weight of load and secured to floor and
wall

Loads
over 50 lbs. Are moved with mechanical assistance or a second
person

Stacked
materials are stable

Fences
and Gates

All
components of fences and gates are capable of holding an animal’s
weight

Hinges
and latches are checked routinely

Animals

Animal
medications in original container and used only by designed workers

Handlers
are informed on zoonotic diseases and their transmission

Handlers
are well versed on animal behavior and how people should act around
animals

Special
care is taken when near animals with newborns

Cattle
are de-horned

Steel
toed boots with non-slip are worn in animal handling areas

Equipment

Tractors
have Roll Over Protection and seatbelts are worn

"No
Riders" policy is strictly enforced

Extinguisher
and First Aid Kit onboard

Handrails
are sturdy, steps are clean

Hydraulic
lines/hoses are in good shape

PTO,
belts chains, pulleys and sprockets are guarded

Hitching
bolts/pins are in good condition

Tires
are properly inflated and have good tread

Operators
have read and understood owners manuals

Drive
lanes are free of ruts, bumps, and stones

Sufficient
turning area is provided along ditches and embankments

Steep
slopes are avoided

Guards
are used on grinding wheels, drill presses, and other shop equipment

Equipment
cords are in good condition

Each
operator has read and understood the owners manual

Eye
protection is worn

Powered
Hand Tools

Tool
guards are in place

Cords
are grounded or double insulated and grounded or double insulated
& free of damage

Vise
used to secure small work pieces

Eye
protection is worn

Each
user has read and understood the owners manual

All
Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

All
Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have become a fixture on farms and ranches.
An ATV can make hard to get to locations more easily accessible than
with pickup truck or farm equipment. There are also a lot of non-farm
people who "head to the hills" to ride trails and hunt. Unfortunately,
a number of people do not take the time to learn about protecting
themselves before riding four-wheelers. Here are some ways to prevent
ATV accidents from occurring:

Young
riders should meet the following engine size recommendations:

Age

Engine
Size

6-11

50-60
cubic centimeters (cc)

12-15

70-90
cubic centimeters (cc)

16
& older

90+
cubic centimeters (cc)

*Wear
protective equipment (Helmet & eye protection)

*Do
not allow passengers. ATVs are built to carry only the driver

*Do
not operate ATV on paved roads

*Do
not use drugs or alcohol while riding ATV

*Read
and follow the operating guidelines in the Owner’s Manual

*Practice
driving the ATV on flat ground where you can become familiar with
how it handles

*Tread
Lightly! This is a program to help protect the environment for future
users. Stay on trails, pick up trash and Get Permission to Ride
on Private Property